We pursue our national interests and project the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners.
Although China is the UK’s fifth largest trading partner, the UK Government has, in recent years, described China as an …
Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs
Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue
Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not have Bills currently before Parliament
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not passed any Acts during the 2024 Parliament
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
Urgently fulfil humanitarian obligations to Gaza
Gov Responded - 8 Aug 2025 Debated on - 24 Nov 2025Act to ensure deliverer of fuel, food, aid, life saving services etc. We think this shouldn't be dependant/on condition of Israeli facilitation as the Knesset voted against UNWRA access to Gaza. We think if military delivery of aid, airdrops, peacekeepers etc, are needed, then all be considered.
Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.
At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.
Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.
Under the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, the Devolved Governments are entitled to have discussions with Ireland on matters within devolved competence. These meetings are not routinely attended by UK Government officials but the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is made aware of them in advance.
Under the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, the Devolved Governments are entitled to have discussions with Ireland on matters within devolved competence. These meetings are not routinely attended by UK Government officials but the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is made aware of them in advance.
As penholder on Myanmar at the UN Security Council, we convened six Council meetings in 2024, including the first open meeting in five years focused on the Rohingya, and we have convened three Council meetings so far in 2025. We also co-sponsored a UN Human Rights Council resolution in April this year, and a UN Third Committee Resolution in November, on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, condemning ongoing violations particularly against ethnic minorities, including Rohingya. We continue to call for the protection of civilians and humanitarian access to Rakhine State, most recently at the UN Third Committee on 19 November.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer he was provided on 14 October 2024 in response to Question 7965.
I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given by the Minister for the Middle East on 17 September to Question 73142, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:
While judicial matters are for Pakistan's courts, the UK has consistently emphasised to its counterparts in Pakistan the need for due process, fair trials, and humane treatment for all, including Mr Imran Khan.
I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given to question HL12156 on 2 December.
The UK is committed to standing up for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) globally. No one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in. Our Embassy in Tashkent regularly raises human rights with the Uzbek authorities and maintains a dialogue with local human rights groups. In Uzbekistan's most recent UN Universal Periodic Review, the UK raised concerns over FoRB amongst other human rights issues and continues to consider when is most impactful and appropriate to raise individual cases.
I refer the Noble Lord to the written statement that I made to the House on 27 November (UIN HLWS1104).
Global deforestation rates peaked in the 1980s at around 15 million hectares per year, driven by a range of factors, including global demand for agricultural commodities, timber and wood products. Deforestation rates have since declined to around 10 million hectares a year but much more needs to be done to protect forests, which are a vital refuge for biodiversity, support the livelihoods of over one billion people worldwide and are crucial to limiting the damaging effects of climate change.
The UK is supporting efforts to restore critical global ecosystems and is on track to deliver £3 billion in International Climate Finance for nature and biodiversity by March 2026. This includes funding to international initiatives such as the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, which aims to restore 30 per cent of degraded ecosystems globally by 2030.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is committed to ensuring the Devolved Governments' economic and cultural interests are promoted internationally. Invest Northern Ireland officials are co-located in a number of FCDO overseas posts, and across the world our missions work to promote Northern Ireland, and the UK as a whole. This includes supporting Northern Ireland Ministers when they travel overseas.
As part of a series of new Heads of Mission Roadshows to UK countries and regions, our High Commissioner to Singapore visited Northern Ireland in September 2025 to advance opportunities for Singaporean foreign direct investment in Northern Ireland. The most recent Soft Power Council Meeting was also held in Belfast in October. This was a key forum for the FCDO, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Devolved Governments and stakeholders in Northern Ireland to come together and create a unified strategy that can leverage the UK's cultural offer internationally.
I was delighted to host representatives of Northern Ireland creative industries at the recent Western Balkans summit at Hillsborough Castle, and to showcase the best of Northern Ireland to visiting Foreign Ministers and officials.
Further to the answer I gave on 29 October to Question 83265, we are concerned by the reported case of Teymur Hosseini, and we continue to monitor the situation for Christians in Iran.
The Hon Member may be referring to the informal grouping of the United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany and Italy which, for example, works alongside the EU and NATO on promoting stability in the Western Balkans.
I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statements on Sudan made by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November, and by the Minister of State for International Development and Africa in the House of Lords debate on 27 November. We will provide further updates to the House in due course, including on international efforts to end the fighting, and the progress we are making to reach all the people and regions currently in desperate need of humanitarian support.
I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statements on Sudan made by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November, and by the Minister of State for International Development and Africa in the House of Lords debate on 27 November. We will provide further updates to the House in due course, including on international efforts to end the fighting, and the progress we are making to reach all the people and regions currently in desperate need of humanitarian support.
I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statements on Sudan made by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November, and by the Minister of State for International Development and Africa in the House of Lords debate on 27 November. We will provide further updates to the House in due course, including on international efforts to end the fighting, and the progress we are making to reach all the people and regions currently in desperate need of humanitarian support.
I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statements on Sudan made by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November, and by the Minister of State for International Development and Africa in the House of Lords debate on 27 November. We will provide further updates to the House in due course, including on international efforts to end the fighting, and the progress we are making to reach all the people and regions currently in desperate need of humanitarian support.
I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statements on Sudan made by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November, and by the Minister of State for International Development and Africa in the House of Lords debate on 27 November. We will provide further updates to the House in due course, including on international efforts to end the fighting, and the progress we are making to reach all the people and regions currently in desperate need of humanitarian support.
The UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief continues to work closely with ministers and officials across a range of issues and geographies, including the current situations in Sudan, Nigeria and Syria. He also works to strengthen international coalitions and represent the UK internationally, most recently at the High-Level International Religious Freedom or Belief (Article 18) Alliance Conference, held in Prague on 12-13 November.
I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer given on 2 June to Question 51410.
The level of attendance and nature of UK commitments at any future conference will be decided in due course once the timing and objectives of that conference have been decided.
The trade of illicit gold funds undermines the rule of law and perpetuates human rights abuses. Gold extraction and smuggling operations represent a significant loss to Sudan and undermine effective resource governance. The UK Government engages with the gold industry, in particular the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and the World Gold Council, as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to support responsible sourcing and rigorous due diligence standards to enhance resilience to illicit gold and identify malign actors in the supply chain. As the UK is an OECD member, businesses in the UK apply the OECD's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk areas, including the LBMA. The UK is a global leader in tackling illicit gold flows, recently hosting a joint FCDO-HMRC Gold Conference and launching a public-private partnership with industry to clamp down on illicit flows.
The trade of illicit gold funds undermines the rule of law and perpetuates human rights abuses. Gold extraction and smuggling operations represent a significant loss to Sudan and undermine effective resource governance. The UK Government engages with the gold industry, in particular the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and the World Gold Council, as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to support responsible sourcing and rigorous due diligence standards to enhance resilience to illicit gold and identify malign actors in the supply chain. As the UK is an OECD member, businesses in the UK apply the OECD's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk areas, including the LBMA. The UK is a global leader in tackling illicit gold flows, recently hosting a joint FCDO-HMRC Gold Conference and launching a public-private partnership with industry to clamp down on illicit flows.
The trade of illicit gold funds undermines the rule of law and perpetuates human rights abuses. Gold extraction and smuggling operations represent a significant loss to Sudan and undermine effective resource governance. The UK Government engages with the gold industry, in particular the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and the World Gold Council, as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to support responsible sourcing and rigorous due diligence standards to enhance resilience to illicit gold and identify malign actors in the supply chain. As the UK is an OECD member, businesses in the UK apply the OECD's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk areas, including the LBMA. The UK is a global leader in tackling illicit gold flows, recently hosting a joint FCDO-HMRC Gold Conference and launching a public-private partnership with industry to clamp down on illicit flows.
The trade of illicit gold funds undermines the rule of law and perpetuates human rights abuses. Gold extraction and smuggling operations represent a significant loss to Sudan and undermine effective resource governance. The UK Government engages with the gold industry, in particular the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and the World Gold Council, as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to support responsible sourcing and rigorous due diligence standards to enhance resilience to illicit gold and identify malign actors in the supply chain. As the UK is an OECD member, businesses in the UK apply the OECD's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk areas, including the LBMA. The UK is a global leader in tackling illicit gold flows, recently hosting a joint FCDO-HMRC Gold Conference and launching a public-private partnership with industry to clamp down on illicit flows.
I refer the Noble Lord to the written statement that I made to the House on 27 November (UIN HLWS1104).
I refer the Noble Lord to the answer I provided on 27 November to Question HL11630.
I refer the Noble Lord to the answer I provided on 27 November to Question HL11630.
I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer provided on 15 April 2025 to Question HL6259.
We are clear that there can be no role for Hamas in the governance of Palestine. Hamas is a terrorist organisation whom we proscribe in its entirety. We have a long-standing policy of non-engagement with Hamas.
The UK continues to support implementation of the Colonna Report by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to ensure they meet the highest standards on neutrality and integrity. 21 recommendations from the report have been completed, recommendation 35 is in progress. As per UNRWA's internal regulations, all references to hate speech, incitement to violence, and/or antisemitism are strictly banned from host-country textbooks, where locally produced supplements and materials are developed by UNRWA for use in its schools. The textbook review process in Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria has been finalised, with findings shared with host countries and further dialogue taking place to address outstanding issues in line with UN and UNESCO standards.
We continue to work tirelessly towards securing a ceasefire, humanitarian relief, and accountability for atrocities committed in Sudan, as set out in the Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 18 November. We will provide further updates to the House in due course.
We continue to work tirelessly towards securing a ceasefire, humanitarian relief, and accountability for atrocities committed in Sudan, as set out in the Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 18 November. We will provide further updates to the House in due course.
We continue to work tirelessly towards securing a ceasefire, humanitarian relief, and accountability for atrocities committed in Sudan, as set out in the Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 18 November. We will provide further updates to the House in due course.
In our discussions with the United Nations and other international bodies, the UK continues to push for greater priority to be given to the risks facing women and girls in conflict, as set out in the Foreign Secretary's speech on 24 November, available at the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/twenty-five-years-of-women-peace-and-security.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 3 November 2025 to Question 85662.
The UK is deeply concerned by rising levels of acute food insecurity and catastrophic hunger, and we are a key donor to the World Food Programme, with funding since 2023 as follows:
2023: 290,747,871 USD
2024: 610,111,395 USD
2025: 410,441,878 USD at last reporting date.
Funding for 2026 will be confirmed in due course. We are also working with partners to improve early warning systems, and invest in strengthening countries' resilience to food crises in the longer-term.
We are monitoring the Marburg virus outbreak in southern Ethiopia very closely. Close engagement is underway with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, and international partners to assess the situation and identify where partnership with Ethiopian authorities would be most effective.
I refer the Noble Lord to the response of 19 November 2025 to Question HL11642.
I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer provided on 27 November to Question HL11898.
The Civil Service publishes sickness absence statistics by organisation and by sickness reason, including mental ill-health. These figures are available in the publicly accessible Civil Service sickness absence reports on GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sickness-absence). The next release of these statistics is scheduled for 18 December, and you may wish to refer to this forthcoming publication for the most up-to-date information.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 20 October to Question 81324.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 14 July 2025 to Question 65869.
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 12 June to question 58220.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 9 April to Question 43452.
Tackling violence against women and girls is a key priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and forms a regular and essential part of our engagement with counterparts across the world, including in the Southern African Development Community.
The UK is providing £78 million for humanitarian and early recovery support for Palestine this financial year. This includes £9.7 million to United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to support provision of ready-to-use infant formula, water, sanitation and hygiene services, psychosocial services for children, and social protection to children.
In October, the Foreign Secretary spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar about the importance of opening more crossings and removing restrictions on aid to allow food to be delivered to all those in need, and we continue to call on Israel to enable humanitarian relief to reach every child in need of nutritional support, shelter and healthcare.
I refer the Hon Member to the statement on the Middle East made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November.
Further to the answer given on 18 September to question 74583, I again raised this with the Syrian Foreign Minister during his visit to London in November.
Further to the answer given on 18 September to question 74583, I again raised this with the Syrian Foreign Minister during his visit to London in November.